Bishop's Crozier
02/03/2025
Beginnings
The crozier is made in three pieces from a single piece of walnut. It is joined with hidden brass screw fixings.
Design
The design emerged after discussions with Mary Gregory, who was consecrated Bishop of Reading at Canterbury Cathedral and received her pastoral staff on February 27th, 2025. It is based around a prayer: 'When we were still far off you met us in your son and brought us home.' The pastoral staff symbolises the crook of a shepherd, used to bring home his flock. To make the lettering visible it is carved into a banner wrapped around the staff and painted in a variety of blues and greens. You can read it from bottom to top by turning the staff. As 'Home' is the key theme, this is the word at the top of the banner. The carvings of the sparrow and the swallow reference Psalm 84. 'Even the sparrow has found a home, And the swallow a nest for herself, where she may raise her young.' The vine growing up the staff represents life and spiritual growth.
